The Chicago Fire centre-back led all players in fan votes to earn his place in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game First XI alongside Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min and some of the biggest names in world football.
Three decades after Doctor Khumalo became the first South African All-Star in 1996, Mbokazi becomes only the second.
The 20-year-old left Orlando Pirates for Chicago Fire in January and has been one of the most impressive defenders in the league – combining composure, power and remarkable maturity for someone his age. His performances have drawn widespread attention on a continent that will host the World Cup this summer.
That timing could not be better. Mbokazi is currently representing Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America – one of five All-Star First XI players at the tournament alongside Messi, Son, Sebastian Berhalter and Tim Ream.
The All-Star Game itself takes place on 29 July at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte – where the MLS All-Stars face a Liga MX XI.
Photo: Tim Austen/Getty Images
